How to Create a Safe Container for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Without Becoming a Crystal-Wielding Guru)

Let’s talk about something that gets tossed around in the psychedelic therapy space like glitter at a music festival: the “safe container.”

No, not a literal container. Not a mason jar. Not a cosmic breadbox.

In the world of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (and psychedelic therapy in general), your “container” is the mental, emotional, and physical environment you create to support your healing. And while that sounds lofty, creating this safe space — your set and setting — is one of the most grounded, practical things you can do.

I work with clients who are dipping their toes (or their whole bodies) into this work — folks navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, existential dread... you know, the usual party favors of modern life.

Click here to learn more about my work with Ketamine.

The container we build together matters more than people often realize. It’s what makes the difference between a profound therapeutic shift and “I saw colors for an hour and now I’m back to doomscrolling.”

So let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t require a PhD in psychedelic philosophy.

Set = Your Mindset (a.k.a. What’s Going On In That Big Beautiful Brain of Yours)

Before you even touch a molecule of ketamine, your mindset matters. A lot.

This isn’t just about “thinking positive.” It’s about being intentional.

Here are some questions I often walk clients through at Thrive Well Therapy before we start ketamine-assisted therapy:

1. What do I expect ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to do?

Spoiler: ketamine isn’t a magic bullet. It’s not going to make your childhood trauma vanish in a puff of lavender mist. But it can be a powerful catalyst — a way to access parts of yourself that have been hard to reach with traditional therapy alone.

If you're showing up with curiosity and a willingness to engage, you're already halfway there.

2. What am I feeding my mind?

No judgment here — I love a messy reality show binge as much as anyone. But if you're surrounding yourself with content that’s violent, chaotic, or doom-heavy, your brain is going to marinate in that vibe. And guess what ketamine does? It amplifies what’s already floating around.

Think of it like putting a microphone to your subconscious. You want that internal playlist to be soothing, not screaming.

3. Who gets to walk this path with me?

Not everyone in your life is going to get it. That’s okay. But part of preparing your mindset is figuring out who’s safe to share your experience with. Who can you talk to about your healing without feeling judged or dismissed?

Psychedelic therapy can be deeply personal. Don’t waste time convincing your skeptical cousin Chad. Find your people — whether it’s a trusted friend, therapist, support group, or fellow journeyers.

Setting = The Space Around You (Yes, Your Physical Environment Matters)

Where you do your ketamine therapy is just as important as how you do it. At ThriveWell, I’ve designed my practice space to be calming, welcoming, and above all, safe. Because nervous systems notice everything.

From the temperature of the room to the softness of the blanket, every element plays a role in how your body relaxes into the process.

Here’s what to consider:

1. Does your treatment team really know you?

This isn’t just about medical history (though yes, please be honest about your health background and past substance use). It’s about being seen. Really seen.

Let your therapist know if you hate strong smells, or if crunchy snacks give you anxiety, or if the idea of someone touching your shoulder mid-journey feels more panic-inducing than grounding. We want to support you your way.

2. What are your boundaries around touch and space?

At Thrive Well Therapy, touch is always consensual and never required. Maybe a hand on your shoulder helps you feel connected. Maybe it makes you feel like a cat being forced in a bathtub. Either way is valid.

We’ll talk about it beforehand. You get to decide. And that autonomy? That’s part of the container too.

3. Can you actually protect your healing time?

Let’s be real: life doesn’t stop just because you’re doing deep therapeutic work. But can you build a buffer?

Maybe you need to ask your partner to take the kids for the night. Maybe you take a personal day after a session. Maybe you mute your notifications and order takeout. Whatever protects your energy and allows you to integrate — do that.

Integration is the bridge between insight and change. Don’t just have the experience; give it a chance to take root.

Final Thoughts (Because This Isn’t a Buzzfeed Article and You’re Not Just “Taking Ketamine for Fun”)

Psychedelic therapy isn’t fringe anymore — it’s a rapidly growing field with profound potential. But it’s not about chasing trippy visuals or trendy treatments. It’s about showing up fully for your healing.

As a trauma therapist, a ketamine-assisted therapy provider, and a human who deeply believes in the body’s innate capacity to heal, I’m here to help create the kind of container that feels safe, compassionate, and real.

At ThriveWell Therapy, I take this work seriously — but not too seriously. We leave room for humor, for messiness, for humanity.

So if you’re curious about starting your own journey with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Las Vegas or New Jersey — or if you just want to explore a different kind of therapy that honors your whole self — you’re in the right place.

Let’s build your container together.

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Meet Rachel Hansen, LCSW

Rachel Hansen, LCSW

Hi, I’m Rachel Hansen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Thrive Well Therapy. I help people untangle the messy, beautiful, complicated knots of being alive — especially when those knots involve trauma, burnout, chronic stress, anxiety, or just feeling stuck.

My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and grounded in real connection. I believe therapy should feel like a collaborative, sacred space — not a clinical transaction or a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Whether we’re working with talk therapy or diving into ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, I’m here to walk alongside you, not ahead of you with a clipboard.

I’ve trained in CBT therapy, EMDR Therapy, trauma recovery, and psychedelic-assisted healing because I believe healing happens on multiple levels — nervous system, body, spirit, and story. I’m also a big believer in boundaries, humor, and the occasional well-timed curse word or dark comment.

In sessions, I show up as a whole human — and invite you to do the same. No need to “perform” wellness here. You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of healing.

If you're ready to explore therapy that meets you where you are (but doesn’t let you stay stuck there), let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation right HERE.